Reusable beverage container with flexible spout

ABSTRACT

The invention is a reusable beverage container including a cap having a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardly therefrom, a receptacle, a neck portion, and a flexible spout. The neck portion includes an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface. The spout has a through-bore therein, a first opening rim and a second opening rim formed by the through-bore, and an outer surface having a plurality of ribs annularly disposed about the outer surface. The spout includes a first portion. The neck portion is operatively arranged to receive the first portion of the spout. The second portion of the spout extends upwardly beyond the neck portion, and the plurality of ribs is sealably engaged against the inner diameter surface of the neck portion. The first opening rim is sealably engaged to the first top portion when the cap is secured to the neck portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 35 U.S.C.§120 and §365(c) as acontinuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2011/050076filed Feb. 10, 2011, which application claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/348,150, filed on May 25, 2010,which applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to beverage containers, and, moreparticularly, to a reusable beverage container with a flexible spout.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage containers are well known. Generally, a beverage containerincludes a receptacle, a spout assembly, and, optionally, a cap.

A problem with prior beverage containers is that the spouts aregenerally hard and rigid, and, therefore, not tactilely pleasing to auser while consuming the beverage. Hard and rigid spouts and straws aresimply not always comfortable in the mouth. Rigid spouts and straws donot conform to the soft tissue of human lips. This poor fit can alsocause leakage of the beverage about the circumference of the spout orstraw during consumption.

Another problem with prior spouts and straws is that liquid cangenerally flow freely therethrough. If liquid is allowed to flow freely,it can flow suddenly and unexpectedly, often onto the user's face.

Yet another problem with prior beverage containers is that the spoutassembly generally includes multiple components, having separatemechanisms to seal the spout assembly to the receptacle as well asseparate valves to regulate liquid flow. This causes the spoutassemblies to be less reliable, and more complicated and expensive tomanufacture.

Thus, there is a long-felt need for a beverage container with a flexiblespout assembly, preferably made of silicone or similar “soft” material,which provides a user with a comfortable feel when engaging the lips ofa user. In addition, there is a long-felt need for a beverage containerwhere the liquid flow is restricted, causing the liquid to flow inintermittent surges, i.e., chugs. There is also a long-felt need for abeverage container in which the spout assembly is constructed as asingle component.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a reusable beverage container including a caphaving a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardlytherefrom, a receptacle, a neck portion, and a flexible spout. In oneembodiment, the neck portion includes an inner diameter surface and anouter diameter surface. The flexible spout has a through-bore therein, afirst opening rim and a second opening rim formed by the through-bore,and an outer surface having a plurality of ribs annularly disposed aboutthe outer surface. Additionally, the flexible spout includes a firstportion having a first length and a second portion having a secondlength. The neck portion is operatively arranged to receive the firstportion of the spout. The second portion of the spout extends upwardlybeyond the neck portion at a ratio between the first length and thesecond length which ranges from about 0.8 to about 1.2. The plurality ofribs is sealably engaged against the inner diameter surface of the neckportion and the first opening rim is sealably engaged to the first topportion when the cap is secured to the neck portion. It should beappreciated that in a preferred embodiment, the spout is substantiallycylindrical in shape; however, the shape and size of the spout may varyas necessary to conform to and sealably engage the inner diametersurface of the neck portion.

In another embodiment, the reusable beverage container includes a caphaving a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardlytherefrom, a receptacle, a neck portion, and a flexible spout. The innerflange has threads disposed along an inner diameter surface of the innerflange. The receptacle and the neck portion include an inner diametersurface and an outer diameter surface, where the outer diameter surfacehas threads disposed about it. The flexible spout has a through-boretherein. The through-bore has a frusto-conical shaped spout portionhaving a first opening rim, a tubular channel portion having a secondopening rim and an outer surface having a plurality of ribs annularlydisposed about the outer surface. Additionally, the flexible spoutincludes a first portion having a first length and a second portionhaving a second length. The neck portion is operatively arranged toreceive the first portion of the flexible spout. The second portion ofthe flexible spout extends upwardly beyond the neck portion at a ratiobetween the first length and the second length which ranges from about0.8 to about 1.2, and the plurality of ribs is sealably engaged againstthe inner diameter surface of the neck portion. The first opening rim issealably engaged with the first top portion when the cap is threadinglysecured to the neck portion.

In yet another embodiment, the reusable beverage container includes acap having a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardlytherefrom, a receptacle and a neck portion, where the neck portion isformed from a first material, and a flexible spout. The neck portionincludes an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface. Theflexible spout has a through-bore therein and a first opening rim, wherethe flexible spout extends upwardly beyond the neck portion.Furthermore, the flexible spout formed from a second material differentfrom the first material. The first opening rim is sealably engaged tothe first top portion when the cap is secured to the neck portion.

A general object of the invention is to provide a reusable beveragecontainer with a flexible spout assembly that provides a user with acomfortable feel when placed in contact with the user's lips.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reusable beveragecontainer where the liquid flow is restricted and does not flow freelythrough the spout assembly.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a reusable beveragecontainer in which the spout assembly is a single component and directlyengages the receptacle.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will bereadily appreciable from the following description of preferredembodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now bemore fully described in the following detailed description of theinvention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the beveragecontainer of the present invention, showing the cap in place atop thereceptacle of the beverage container;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of thebeverage container shown in FIG. 1 with the cap removed, depicting thespout extending above the rim of the neck portion, which view is takengenerally along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of thebeverage container with the cap removed, illustrating the spoutextending slightly above the rim of the neck portion, taken generallyalong line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3C(1) is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, depicting the spout integral with the neck portion andco-molded to form a single piece.

FIG. 3C(2) is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container shown inFIG. 3C(1).

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the beverage containerin use, illustrating engagement of the spout with a user's mouth andlips;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the beverage containershown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the beverage containershown in FIG. 4, depicting liquid flowing in intermittent surges, i.e.,chugs;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of the beveragecontainer (without the spout) shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the long spout of the beveragecontainer;

FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view of the long spout shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a top perspective view of the long spout shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the short spout of the beveragecontainer;

FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of the short spout shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the short spout shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cap of the preferred embodiment ofthe beverage container;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container shown inFIG. 1; and

FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area 10A shown inFIG. 10, illustrating the interaction between the plurality of ribs ofthe spout and the neck portion;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1,showing the long spout embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the beveragecontainer shown in FIG. 1, showing the short spout embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention, illustrating the cap engaging the neck portion.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cap of a second embodiment of thebeverage container;

FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container shown inFIG. 13; and,

FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area 16A shown inFIG. 16, illustrating the interaction between the plurality of ribs ofthe spout and the neck portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar,structural elements of the invention. It also should be appreciated thatfigure proportions and angles are not always to scale in order toclearly portray the attributes of the present invention.

While the present invention is described with respect to what ispresently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understoodthat the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.The present invention is intended to cover various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and, assuch, may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only,and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, whichis limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated thatthe term “operatively” is synonymous with terms such as “functionally”,“actively”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably asappearing in the specification and claims. It should also be appreciatedthat the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”,“very nearly about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “closeto”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”,etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in thespecification and claims. An important element of the present inventionas described and claimed is the “flexible” spout of the beveragecontainer. By “flexible”, we mean a spout that is capable of being bentor flexed. We mean that the spout is pliable. It is preferred that thespout is “soft” to enable a pleasing tactile interface and feeling whenthe spout engages the lips of the user. In a preferred embodiment, thespout is made of silicone, or other similar natural or synthetic rubber,or a material having similar characteristics. In a preferred embodiment,the spout is made of a material having a Shore hardness range ofapproximately 10 to 50. For example, in one embodiment the spout has aShore A hardness of approximately 75 or less. By Shore A hardness, it ismeant the hardness determined from a type A durometer according to theAmerican Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D2240 testingstandards. In a preferred embodiment, the spout is made of silicone andthe Shore A hardness of the spout is between approximately 10 to 50.However, it should be appreciated that other durometers, such as Type 00durometers could be utilized, with the Shore 00 hardness of the spoutranging as low as approximately 10 to 50, and that these ranges aregiven as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of theclaims of the patent.

Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of theinvention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are nowdescribed.

In the description that follows, we describe two distinct embodiments ofthe present invention. We refer to them herein as a first and secondembodiment (Embodiments I and II, respectively.) The first embodiment isthe preferred embodiment. Moreover, we also describe threesub-embodiments of the first embodiment (Embodiments I-A, I-B, and I-C,respectively.)

Embodiment I (Preferred Embodiment)

Adverting now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of the invention. Beverage container 10 includesreceptacle 11 and cap 13. Cap 13 includes convex handle 47, whichextends across the diameter of second top portion 21 of cap 13, and isopen on both sides.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of cap 13 ofbeverage container 10. As also depicted in FIG. 1, handle 47 extendsacross the diameter of second top portion 21 of cap 13, and is open onboth sides. Aperture 41 enables user 90 (not shown in FIG. 9A) to holdbeverage container 10 by gripping through aperture 41 and wrapping hisor her hand around handle 47 for a secure grip. FIG. 9A is a topperspective view of cap 13 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9B is a bottomperspective view of cap 13 shown in FIG. 9.

Embodiment I-A (Long Spout Embodiment)

In the long spout embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 7A,7B, and 11, the spout sealably engages the neck portion of thereceptacle. When the spout is inserted into the neck portion, the spoutextends upwardly beyond the rim of the neck portion. In a preferredembodiment, the spout extends upwardly approximately 1.905 centimetersabove the rim of the neck portion. This dimension is not critical, andis not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Perhaps moreimportantly, in the long spout embodiment, is the ratio of the length ofthe spout relative to the length of the neck portion of the container.As shown in FIG. 3A, the length “x” of the portion of the spout thatextends beyond the rim of the neck is approximately equal to the length“y” of the neck portion itself. In a preferred embodiment, in the longspout embodiment, the ratio y/x is approximately equal to 1, or in thegeneral range of 0.8-1.2.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of embodiment 1-A of beveragecontainer 10 taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. We refer to thisas the “long spout” embodiment of the invention. In this figure, cap 13has been removed, such that flexible spout 12 is shown inserted intoneck portion 32 of receptacle 11. Neck portion 32 includes innerdiameter surface 33, outer diameter surface 34, and rim 27. Neck portion32 is operatively arranged to receive at least a portion of spout 12.Spout 12 includes through-bore 24, frusto-conical shaped spout portion23, and tubular channel portion 38, first opening rim 35, and secondopening rim 36. In this embodiment, spout 12 extends approximately 1.905centimeters above rim 27 of the neck portion 32. It should beappreciated that in a preferred embodiment, the spout is substantiallycylindrical in shape; however, the shape and size of the spout may varyas necessary to conform to and sealably engage the inner diametersurface of the neck portion.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of beverage container 10shown in FIG. 3A, illustrating the engagement of spout 12 with user'smouth 91 and lips 93, 94. In use, the lower lip of the user “kisses” thelower surface of the spout, and the upper rim of the spout pressesagainst the upper lip of the user. That is, outer surface 26 of spout 12is in contact with upper surface 97 of lower lip 94 and first openingrim 35 of spout 12 is in contact with philtral columns 95 of face 92 andthat area of face 92 proximate thereto, between nostrils 96 and upperlip 93 proximate the philtrim. Spout 12 may be made of any suitablesubstantially flexible material, such as silicone, providing user 90with a soft, comfortable feel when engaged with user's mouth 91 and lips93, 94 as user 90 drinks from beverage container 10. Silicones form agroup of a large variety of synthetic compounds that are polymers,comprising silicon combined with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and otherchemical elements. Silicone is preferable due to its soft, rubber-likecomposition, thermal stability, and ability to repel water and formwatertight seals. In addition, many forms of silicone have antimicrobialand antibacterial properties.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of beverage container 10shown in FIG. 4. In this figure, the user's upper lip 93 and lower lip94 enclose first opening rim 35 of flexible spout 12 within user's mouth91. Due to the soft, flexible nature of spout 12, outer surface 26 ofspout 12 conforms to user's mouth 91 and user's lips 93, 94, providing amore enjoyable drinking experience.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of beverage container 10shown in FIG. 4, depicting liquid 51 flowing in intermittent surges 52,53, 54, i.e., chugs. As user's mouth 91 and lips 93, 94 engage spout 12and user 90 begins to drink, liquid 51 flows by means of through-bore 24into user's mouth 91. Liquid 51 flows in intermittent surges 52, 53, 54so as to prevent liquid 51 from flowing suddenly and unexpectedly ontouser's face 92. Intermittent surges 52, 53, 54 of liquid 51 commencewhen user 90 tilts beverage container 10 upward to drink liquid 51. Upontilting beverage container 10, air space 46 is created above liquid 51within receptacle 11 of beverage container 10. Initial surge 52 ofliquid 51 flows out of spout 12 until the air pressure above liquid 51is decreased, which in turn causes the flow of liquid 51 to cease. Airthen enters beverage container 10 through spout 12 forming air pockets,which bubble up through liquid 51 into air space 46. As the air bubblesenter air space 46 of receptacle 11, the additional air increases thepressure in air space 46 enough to initiate second surge 53 of liquid 51to flow out of spout 12 into user's mouth 91. This cycle repeats untiluser 90 tilts beverage container 10 upright or beverage container 10empties.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of receptacle 11 of beverage container10 shown in FIG. 3A, with spout 12 removed. Receptacle 11 comprisesouter surface 14, inner surface 15, and slightly convex bottom surface16, and is substantially cylindrical in shape. Outer diameter surface 34of neck portion 32 includes threads 25 disposed about outer diametersurface 34.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of spout 12 ofbeverage container 10. Spout 12 comprises outer surface 26 havingplurality of ribs 22 annularly disposed about outer surface 26.Through-bore 24 forms first opening rim 35 and second opening rim 36.Frusto-conical shaped spout portion 23 is in communication with firstopening rim 35 and tubular channel portion 38 is in communication withsecond opening rim 36, such that the diameter of first opening rim 35 islarger than the diameter of second opening rim 36. Spout 12 is easilyremoved from neck portion 32 (not shown in FIG. 7) of receptacle 11 (notshown in FIG. 7) for easy cleaning or replacement.

FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view of spout 12 shown in FIG. 7. Inthis figure, tubular channel portion 38 forms second opening rim 36 onthe lower end of spout 12. FIG. 7B is a top perspective view of spout 12shown in FIG. 7. In this figure, frusto-conical shaped spout portion 23forms first opening rim 35 on the upper end of spout 12 and taperstowards the center of spout 12.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of beverage container 10 shown in FIG. 1.FIG. 14 illustrates cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle 11, along alongitudinal axis. When spout 12 is inserted into the neck portion ofreceptacle 11, spout 12 extends approximately ¾ inch above the rim ofthe neck portion. In addition, when cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle 11,are secured to one another, cap 13 is flush with receptacle 11.

Embodiment I-B (Short Spout Embodiment)

In the short spout embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3B, 6, 8, 8A, 8B, 10,10A, and 12, the spout sealably engages the neck portion of thereceptacle similar to the long spout embodiment. However, the spout onlyextends slightly above the rim of the neck portion. The rim of the neckportion extends upwardly into a channel in the spout to secure the spoutto the neck portion.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of embodiment IB of beverage container10 taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. We refer to this as the“short spout” embodiment of the invention. In this figure, cap 13 hasbeen removed, such that flexible spout 12 is shown inserted into neckportion 32 of receptacle 11. In this embodiment, spout 12 extendsslightly above rim 27 of neck portion 32. Spout 12 engages rim 27 viachannel 48, such that rim 27 extends upwardly into channel 48 to securespout 12 to neck portion 32. It should be appreciated that in apreferred embodiment, the spout is substantially cylindrical in shape;however, the shape and size of the spout may vary as necessary toconform to and sealably engage the inner diameter surface of the neckportion.

As described previously, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of receptacle11 of beverage container 10 shown in FIG. 3B, with spout 12 removed.Receptacle 11 comprises outer surface 14, inner surface 15, and slightlyconvex bottom surface 16, and is substantially cylindrical in shape.Outer diameter surface 34 of neck portion 32 includes threads 25disposed about outer diameter surface 34. (The receptacle is common toembodiments I-A and I-B.)

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the short spout embodiment ofbeverage container 10. In this embodiment, spout 12 includes channel 48.Spout 12 engages rim 27 (not shown in FIG. 8) via channel 48, such thatrim 27 extends upwardly into channel 48 to secure spout 12 to neckportion 32 (not shown in FIG. 8). FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective viewof spout 12 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of spout12 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of beverage container 10 shown inFIG. 1. FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area 10A shownin FIG. 10, illustrating the interaction between plurality of ribs 22 ofthe spout and neck portion 32. In this embodiment, spout 12 extendsslightly above rim 27 of neck portion 32.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the short spout embodiment of beveragecontainer 10 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 illustrates cap 13, spout 12, andreceptacle 11, along a longitudinal axis. When spout 12 is inserted intothe neck portion of receptacle 11, spout 12 extends slightly above therim of the neck portion. In addition, when cap 13, spout 12, andreceptacle 11, are secured to one another, cap 13 is flush withreceptacle 11.

Embodiment I-C (Integral Spout Embodiment)

In the integral spout embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3C(1) and 3C(2), thespout and neck portion are integral, i.e., of a single piece. The spoutand neck are formed using a co-injection molding process to form asingle piece. In a preferred embodiment, the spout and neck portion aremade from two different materials. In a preferred embodiment, the spoutis made of silicone, or of a similar flexible, soft, material, whereasthe neck is made of plastic.

FIG. 3C(1) is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of beveragecontainer 10. In this figure, cap 13 has been removed. This embodimentdepicts spout 12 and neck portion 32 co-molded as a single piece. FIG.3C(2) is a cross-sectional view of beverage container 10 shown in FIG.5A.

Embodiment II

Adverting now to the drawings, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of anembodiment of beverage container 10. Beverage container 10 includesreceptacle 11, spout 12 (not shown in FIG. 13), and cap 13. Receptacle11 has outer surface 14, inner surface 15 (not shown in FIG. 13) andbottom surface 16 (not shown in FIG. 13). Cap 13 includes first topportion 28 and second top portion 21. First top portion 28 includesraised first cover portion 29, depressed first cover portion 31 (notshown in FIG. 13), sidewall 37 and at least one drainage aperture 45.Second top portion includes handle 47.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of beverage container 10 shown in FIG. 13.FIG. 14 illustrates cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle 11, along alongitudinal axis. When cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle 11, are securedto one another, cap 13 is flush with receptacle 11.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of cap 13 of beverage container 10.Cap 13 includes first top portion 28 and inner flange 18. First topportion 28 of cap 13 includes sidewall 37, which has an inner surface 30and an outer surface 40. Cap 13 further includes outer flange 39extending downwardly and second top portion 21 including aperture 41.Raised first cover portion 29 is located within the circumference of theupper section of first top portion 28 and depressed first cover portion31 is located within the inner circumference of raised first coverportion 29 of first top portion 28 Inner flange 18 extends downwardlyfrom raised first cover portion 29 and includes threads 19 disposedwithin inner flange 18.

FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of cap 13 shown in FIG. 15. In thisfigure, second top portion 21 is secured to first top portion 28 formingcompartment 42 between first top portion 28 and second top portion 21.Compartment 42 is in communication with aperture 41 enabling user 90(not shown in FIG. 15A) to hold beverage container 10 by grippingthrough aperture 41 and grasping handle 47. One method of attachment ofsecond top portion 21 to first top portion 28 is a snap fit. Othermethods of attachment are well known to users of ordinary skill in theart. FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view of cap 13 shown in FIG. 15.First top portion 28 of cap 13 is threadingly secured to neck portion 32(not shown in FIG. 15B) via threads 19 within inner flange 18. Whenfirst top portion 28 of cap 13 is threadingly secured to neck portion32, outer flange 39 becomes flush with outer surface 14 (not shown inFIG. 15B) of receptacle 11 (not shown in FIG. 15B).

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of beverage container 10 shown in FIG.13. FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area 16A shown inFIG. 16, illustrating the interaction between plurality of ribs 22 ofthe spout and neck portion 32. Beverage container 10 comprises firstseal 43 and second seal 44. First seal 43 prevents liquid flow betweeninner diameter surface 33 of neck portion 32 and outer surface 26 ofspout 12. Plurality of ribs 22 is sealably engaged against innerdiameter surface 33 of neck portion 32. Plurality of ribs 22 of spout 12flexes upward and downward as plurality of ribs 22 engages innerdiameter surface 33, which is smooth, creating first seal 43, similar toa cork fitting into a bottle. It should be appreciated that in apreferred embodiment, the spout is substantially cylindrical in shape;however, the shape and size of the spout may vary as necessary toconform to and sealably engage the inner diameter surface of the neckportion. Second seal 44 prevents liquid from flowing out of spout 12when cap 13 is engaged. Cap 13 is operatively arranged to receive atleast a portion of spout 12. First opening rim 35 is sealably engaged tofirst top portion 28 when cap 13 is secured to neck portion 32. Firstopening rim 35 of spout 12 matingly engages raised first cover portion29 of first top portion 28. Depressed first cover portion 31 of firsttop portion 28 is forced downward slightly within first opening rim 35,which compresses first opening rim 35, forming second seal 44. At leastone drainage aperture 45 is disposed within raised first cover portion29 of first top portion 28. When first top portion 28 is forced downwardcompressing first opening rim 35, at least one drainage aperture 45allows air to escape to create a stronger second seal 44. It should beappreciated that spout 12 is a single component. Unlike prior beveragecontainers, there is no separate valve to prevent liquid from flowingout of spout 12.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention areefficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to theinvention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill inthe art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit andscope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that theforegoing description is illustrative of the present invention andshould not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments ofthe present invention are possible without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reusable beverage container comprising: a caphaving a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardlytherefrom; a receptacle and a neck portion, said neck portion includesan inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface; and, a flexiblespout having a through-bore therein, a first opening rim and a secondopening rim formed by said through-bore, and an outer surface comprisinga plurality of ribs annularly disposed about said outer surface, whereinsaid flexible spout comprises a first portion having a first length anda second portion having a second length, said neck portion isoperatively arranged to receive said first portion of said spout, saidsecond portion of said spout extends upwardly beyond said neck portion,a ratio between said first length and said second length ranges fromabout 0.8 to about 1.2, and said plurality of ribs is sealably engagedagainst said inner diameter surface of said neck portion, wherein saidfirst opening rim is sealably engaged to said first top portion whensaid cap is secured to said neck portion.
 2. The reusable beveragecontainer recited in claim 1, wherein said flexible spout is made ofsilicone.
 3. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, saidflexible spout comprises a frusto-conical shaped spout portion incommunication with said first opening rim; and a tubular channel portionin communication with said second opening rim.
 4. The reusable beveragecontainer recited in claim 3, wherein the diameter of said first openingrim is larger than the diameter of said second opening rim.
 5. Thereusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said innerflange includes threads disposed along an inner diameter surface of saidinner flange, and said outer diameter surface of said neck portionincludes threads disposed about said outer diameter surface.
 6. Thereusable beverage container recited in claim 4, wherein said first topportion of said cap are threadingly secured to said neck portion.
 7. Thereusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said cap furthercomprises an outer flange extending downwardly from said first topportion and a second top portion including an aperture, said second topportion secured to said first top portion to form a compartment betweensaid first top portion and said second top portion, wherein saidcompartment is in communication with said aperture enabling a user tohold said container by gripping through said aperture.
 8. The reusablebeverage container recited in claim 7, wherein said first top portion ofsaid cap comprises at least one drainage aperture.
 9. The reusablebeverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said neck portionincludes a rim and said spout extends approximately 1.905 centimetersabove said rim of said neck portion.
 10. The reusable beverage containerrecited in claim 1, wherein the spout has a Shore A hardness ofapproximately 75 or less.
 11. The reusable beverage container recited inclaim 2, wherein the Shore A hardness of the spout is in the range ofapproximately 10 to
 50. 12. The reusable beverage container recited inclaim 2, wherein the Shore 00 hardness of the spout is in the range ofapproximately 10 to
 50. 13. A reusable beverage container comprising: acap having a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardlytherefrom, said inner flange having threads disposed along an innerdiameter surface of said inner flange; a receptacle and a neck portionincluding an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface, saidouter diameter surface having threads disposed about said outer diametersurface; and, a flexible spout having a through-bore therein, saidthrough-bore comprising a frusto-conical shaped spout portion having afirst opening rim, a tubular channel portion having a second opening rimand an outer surface comprising a plurality of ribs annularly disposedabout said outer surface; wherein said flexible spout comprises a firstportion having a first length and a second portion having a secondlength, said neck portion is operatively arranged to receive said firstportion of said flexible spout, said second portion of said flexiblespout extends upwardly beyond said neck portion, a ratio between saidfirst length and said second length ranges from about 0.8 to about 1.2,and said plurality of ribs is sealably engaged against said innerdiameter surface of said neck portion, wherein said first opening rim issealably engaged with said first top portion when said cap isthreadingly secured to said neck portion.
 14. A reusable beveragecontainer comprising: a cap having a first top portion and an innerflange extending downwardly therefrom; a receptacle and a neck portion,said neck portion includes an inner diameter surface and an outerdiameter surface, said neck portion formed from a first material; and, aflexible spout integral with said neck portion, said flexible spouthaving a through-bore therein and a first opening rim, wherein saidflexible spout extends upwardly beyond said neck portion, said flexiblespout formed from a second material different from said first material,and said spout and said neck portion form a single piece, wherein saidfirst opening rim is sealably engaged to said first top portion whensaid cap is secured to said neck portion.